Hip Hop on Violin?

What do Isaac Stern and Jay-Z have in common?

The answer is Miri Ben-Ari!
Born in Israel, Miri received her violin upon a recommendation by the legendary violinist Isaac Stern. Although she was supposed to study classical music at Juilliard, Miri moved to NY to study Jazz music instead. While pursuing a violin Jazz Career Miri fell in love with Hip Hop music and created a new music genre: Hip Hop on violin. The Apollo Theatre in NY was the first venue to introduce Miri to the Hip Hop scene. The name “The HipHop Violinist” was given to Miri by Wyclef Jean, Jay Z, and Kanye West.
Miri is considered to be the pioneer and trendsetter of this original style, fusing classical violin and Hip Hop beats. Miri’s Universal album titled "The HipHop Violinist" is the first album to feature this new musical genre Miri has created, her original production, and many musical collaborations with artists such as Kanye West, John Legend, Fabolous, Styles P, Lil Wayne, Akon and many more.

Check out Miri’s performance on "Quiet Storm" capturing a virtuosic Hip Hop on violin style with the voice of legendary hype man Fatman Scoop.